| Chapter 8 RULES OF SEPARATION
Details of the complete separation 1. As soon as a woman becomes a Nidah, not only is sexual intercourse forbidden, but husband and wife are strictly forbidden to engage in any sort of intimacy or any sort of contact (as discussed in the following paragraphs) until after the Tviloh. 2. During this time they may not touch each other. Neither one may hand anything to the other even if the object is so long that it can easily be handed over without fear of one touching the other. Similarly, one may not throw anything to the other. Transferring an object or a child can be effected only by setting it down for the other to pick up.
3. The husband may not lie on his wife's bed or sit on it even in her absence. Similarly, he may not lie on bedding used exclusively by her. 4. She may not prepare her husband's bed in his presence, nor may she lie on his bed in his presence.
The beds 5. The beds must not touch, but should be separated by an empty space. If the beds are side by side, there must be a greater separation, e.g. a night table between the two beds. 6. They may not sit together (even if not touching each other) on anything that rocks, moves, or does not stand firmly, unless a third person sits between them. Travel 7. They are forbidden to travel together for a pleasure trip in the same railroad compartment or in any other vehicle. If the trip is important, however, they may travel together, but must be very careful to avoid even unintentional contact.
Food 8. They may not eat food from the same vessel (dish etc.) at the same time.
9. The husband may not knowingly eat or drink his wife's leftovers in her presence, unless the food was first transferred to another vessel.
10. Neither of them may serve food or pour a drink for the other, unless some change is made from the usual manner of serving - for example, serving with the left hand or placing the food further down the table. 11. She may not pour or prepare water for him to use in washing.
During the meal 12. When eating alone at a table together, they must place between their table settings an object not usually found on the table, or use a separate tablecloth to make a separation between them. 13. In general, anything that may lead to closer relations must be avoided. Hence, affectionate conversation, levity, etc. are forbidden. It is advisable that, during the entire period, i.e. until after the Tviloh, she should wear a special garment or headdress as a reminder to both of them of her status. 14. The husband may not see any uncovered part of his wife's body, which would properly be covered. 15. She may not sing in his presence during the time she is a Nidah.
16. He may not enjoy the scent of her perfumes during this period.
If one of them is sick 17. If one of them is sick and needs the help of the other, a Rabbi must be consulted. |